January 2020

What’s Inside ...

From the Pastor Page 2 Up Coming Scriptures Page 4 Salvation Army Page 4 Confirmation Schedule Page 5 Christian Ed News Page 5 Bible Study/Circle News Page 5 Circle News Page 6 WELCA Page 7 Tid Bits Page 8 Fortune Lake Page 9 Special Giving Page 9 FFLC Summer Camp Job Opportunity Page 10 Stewardship Page 11 Intern/Seminarian Support Page 12 Christmas Dinner Update Page 13 Thank You Page 14 Gifts to the Congregation Page 15 In the Know Page 16 Hope at the Inn Page 17 Lenten Breakfast Page 18 Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 19 Council Highlights Page 20 Contact Us Page 21

Our Mission Statement ... First Lutheran Church is God’s people inviting, involving equipping and empowering to serve, that all may know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

February 2020 Page 2

From the Pastor

February: Pastor’s Pen: Discipleship in an Uncertain World I have spent my whole life in some version of long range planning or envisioning the future. What do we think the community will look like in 5 years? How can our church be a leader in shaping that future? What is God calling us to be and to do? How can I help our people want to do our part in giving birth to God’s future? That part of my life is coming to an end. By this time next year I will be a member praying for the pastor of our congregation as they prayerfully work with God to envision our future. I have never much worried about how tumultuous and or chaotic the world around me is. I have always focused on the queston, “What is God doing here? And How can I be a helpful part of God’s plan for this place and time?” When I am hanging on to the tiller and guiding the boat through rough waters and high winds, I am amazingly calm. I am not as calm when someone else is at the helm and I am tending a sail while hanging on for dear life. For the first time I have only to think of myself and my family in the midst of it all. So I have to ask all of you, “How do you do it?” Our Faith Teaches God’s certainty Discipleship is Trust and Follow. We are taught to not put our trust in Governments, or Media or Money or the World in any way. We are taught, encouraged even cajoled to trust that God is in charge. Luther’s small catechism says “I believe that God has given me and still provides … all that I need from day to day.” But do we believe it? Perhaps, more honestly, do I believe it. My learned answer after 67 years is this: “We had better believe it, if for no other reason than that it is all we have.” There is no other answer that can satisfy in the long run of history. Everything else falls short or disapoints. Only God endures. So, hang on! It is going to be quite a ride. God indeed gives us all we need to live.

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Our Faith Commitment Guides Our way of living But are we afraid to live it? As I have said many times. Even when we are afraid, unertain, shakey, weary, overwhelmed, floundering, … you get the picture… LIVE AS IF!! Trust and Follow does not mean you have to have it all worked out. Trust and Follow does not mean a faithful person can’t be filled with doubts. It is what it is. God is real. Live like you believe it. God will not abandon you. Live like God is here. God’s Word has guided countless generations. Live as if God Word will guide you. God With Us again and again Matthew’s word of promise is, “God is with us.’ Mattthews challenge is to live as if we are blessed, to live as disciples. Matthews last words in Chapter 28 are the promise, “I am with you always”,.You are never alone. Never! So as I begin to think about retiring, it may mean, more than ever before, that I need to relax and trust that everything I have told you actually applies to me as well. I hope you are at the annual meeting. I will be there. I will be there this year less as pastor and more as one of us. One ready to listen. One ready to let God lead. One who will just trust and follow. One who along with you is ready to learn what true discipleship means. Yours in Christ, Pastor Otis

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Upcoming Scripture Readings

February 2 – Fourth Sunday after Ephiphany Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

February 9 - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12]; Psalm 112;1-9 [10]; 1 Corninthians 2:1-12 [13-16] Matthew 5:13-20

February 16 – Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37

February 23 - Transfiguration of Our Lord Exodus 24;12-18; Psalm 2: 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9

Salvation Army Lunch First Lutheran Church will serve lunch for guests who come to the Salvation Army on Saturday, February 15th. Please watch the church bulletin and the sign-up sheet in the narthex for ways to help. Monetary donations Workers on Saturday, February 15th----food prep beginning at 10:00 AM----serving at NOON----and clean up----ending about 1:30 PM Thank you to all who continue to help with this ministry. We are grateful for new hands and hearts. If you have questions, please talk with Amber Soderman or Nora Smith.

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Confirmation Class Schedule is as follows February 16th

March 8th April 9th

May 3rd – Confirmation Sunday May 10th – Party 4:00 – 7:00pm

Christian Ed News

No Sunday School February 16th

Altar Guild

Members of Altar Guild will meet with Pastor Otis on Tuesday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m. Plans for Lent and Easter will be discussed. Please make every effort to attend.

Tried -n-True

Friday, February 21st, at 12:00pm. Program to be announced. Watch the bulletin board and remember to sign up. It is always worthwhile to attend.

Bible Study

Meets every Wednesday at 9:30am.

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Grace Circle

Grace Circle will not be meeting in February. We will meet at Bayview Manor on March 12 at 2:00 pm. Bible study, Holy Communion, fellowship and a treat are part of the afternoon. Please think about joining us.

Love Circle

Meets on the third Thursday of each month, 9:30am at First Lutheran Church. Study material will be in the narthex. Every woman is invited. Please call 428-1696 if you need a ride or more information.

Faith Circle

Meets on the third Thursday of each month, 7:00pm at First Lutheran Church.

Sewing FOR YOU TO CONSIDER....DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THE SEWING CIRCLE Please remember the sewing circle when cleaning your closets. We can use fabric, sheets, blankets, t-shirts...large and extra-large, towels, and heavy fabric for school back packs. Donations may be brought to the church anytime, and you are always welcome to visit us on Tuesday morning from 9 - 11:30 am. Coffee and goodies are served at 10 o'clock. Thank you in advance, Connie Salmi

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WELCA Women of the E.L.C.A. invites you to attend their February event

SOUP

AND

SEWING

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

9:00 AM-----the day begins

10:00 AM -----regular coffee fellowship

NOON -----soup luncheon (Gail McEachern is our soup-maker)

Come for all or part of the day and check out the many ways you

can be

a part of this outreach ministry. The Square Ladies, friends from

St.

Vincent de Paul and pastors will join us.

Please sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex if

you

will be there for lunch.

A brief program will follow lunch. An offering will be taken to

support

the ministries of the Women of the ELCA.

See you there. Bring a friend!

February 2020 Page 8

Bay College Meal February 17th First will host the Bay College Meal. Please have your donations to First Lutheran by 4pm.

Ushers and Communion Assistants We are in need of Ushers and Communion Assistants for the 10:30

service. This is a great way to meet fellow members of our congregation and It’s a wonderful ministry.

Thank you to all who have helped by being a greeter before each of the

services. If you would like to be a part of this hospitality ministry, please sign the sheet in the narthex. If you would like to usher or become a communion assistant, let Rhonda or Reyna know in the

office.

Hey you knitters and crocheters. I'm

looking for anyone who likes to make hats. In need of 100 hats for girls age 10 to 14 for next year’s shoeboxes. Any you could make would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Ann Christiansen

February 2020 Page 9

Fortune Lake News

JR/SR High Retreat February 7 & 8, 2020: Come to camp for one day and night crammed full of friends,

faith, food and winter fun! Bring a buddy with you, reconnect with camp staff and friends, and enjoy the

winter at Fortune Lake!

Registration Deadline: January 30, 2020

Winter Wellness Retreat: Love Your Heart

February 21 - 23, 2020 For adults 21 and over.

Spend a few days enjoying the outdoors, relaxing by the fire, learning,

and recommitting to taking care of yourself.

Weekend includes:

*yoga and tai chi *interactive workshops on heart health

*food and wine pairings *healthy recipe swap

*along with optional snowshoeing, belly dance, and saunas with essential oils

Yoga and nutritional sessions will be led by Pam Roose, Registered

Dietitian and Certified Yoga and Tai Chi Instructor, from Inspiring Roots

Yoga, Marquette County.

Registration Deadline: February 13, 2020

Special Giving Envelope

This month’s Special Giving will support Fortune Lake Camperships

February 2020 Page 10

FLLC Summer Camp Staff BEST. SUMMER. JOB. EVER!

Have you ever wanted to work on staff at summer camp? Are you ready to make a POSITIVE difference in people’s lives, with God’s help?

Now’s your chance! Imagine a summer where…

• you work hard, & get to play and pray.

• you meet people who will become your life-long friends.

• you get to make a faith-filled impact someone’s life.

• you will be a positive role model to youth & adults.

• your unique and special gifts will be put to use.

• the days are long, challenging, and filled with laughter and

tears.

We aren’t exaggerating when we tell you it just might be the best job

you will ever have! Answer your call to serve at Fortune Lake Lutheran

Camp. If you can imagine your summer looking like this, then we invite

you to apply to be a part of the Fortune Lake Staff this summer!

February 2020 Page 11

Stewardship

HIGH RETURN INVESTMENT

If you Google the word “investment” lots of information will pop up, mostly couched in terms of dollars and cents. I’m certainly no expert on investing, but it seems that successful investments yield high returns. The higher the risk taken on any given investment the greater the potential gain (as well as the potential loss!) I’m also not a poker player, but I know enough that when a player says, “I’m all in” the meaning is crystal clear. “All in” is shorthand for risking everything in hopes of a big return. There’s no bet hedging with this kind of move.

Segueing into stewardship, going “all in” with one’s time, abilities, energy and money, for us humans, is not realistic. What is realistic is our will and ability to do stewardship BOLDLY and share all our God given gifts with our neighbors. We can also grow our stewardship by consistently trying to do a better job of investing ourselves over time.

Fortunately for us sinners, God always goes “all in” with unconditional love, grace, forgiveness and mercy just because we are God’s children. Of course, God sent us Jesus Christ as the ultimate “all in”. So how do we respond to this unimaginable gift? Since actions speak louder than words, all our “thank you’s” pale in the face of witnessing through our actions. We need to hedge our bets less, be bolder and proactive with our stewardship and trust that God will provide what we need.

Unlike games of chance, the payoff to betting it all on Christ is a guaranteed and limitless return. Pay attention to opportunities to love and serve, step forward boldly and reap the rewards.

In Christ, Dirk Manson, Stewardship Chair

February 2020 Page 12

Intern-Seminarian Support

“May the Lord grant you discretion and understanding…”

I Chron. 22:12

Sir Thomas Simpson was a great scientist. In 1849 he

discovered chloroform which greatly advanced medical science.

One day a friend asked him what his greatest discovery was?

Simpson’s answer surprised his friend! It did not involve the field

of medicine at all! Simpson said, “My greatest discovery was that I

have a SAVIOR!”

For the past several months we have been privileged to

have Kelly Ylitalo among us as an intern! Kelly has been very

open in sharing her life story with us and how her faith in her

Savior has guided her life and encouraged her to become a pastor.

Thank you, Kelly!

As Kelly completes her internship, is ordained and begins

to serve a congregation I’m pondering a major question: “WHO

WILL BE NEXT TO ANSWER GOD’S CALL TO ORDAINED

MINISTRY?”

Sir Thomas Simpson was right, the greatest discovery that

anyone of us can make is that we have a SAVIOR! Another great

discovery is when we feel called by our Savior to become His

servant and witness as an ordained pastor!

Who could that be? You, or someone you know??

Dale Skogman on Behalf of Intern-Seminarian Support

February 2020 Page 13

UPDATE ON CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER

221 meals were delivered 203 guests at the church 60 meals were taken out

TOTAL 484 meals

Volunteers numbered many and some helped on more than one day. 7 people helped on turkey carving day including Dottie Ford; 5 people peeled and cubed potatoes on 12/ 22: Rob & Connie Salmi, Ken & Bonnie Groh, Nora Smith (the 150 pounds of potatoes were donated by Dennis & Diane Hanson. 27 people helped with set up and cooking on 12/23: Steve Bolek, Ann Christiansen, Ruth Botbyl, Lori Shea, Barb Filizetti, Nora Smith. 54 people worked on Christmas Day including Wendolyn Tetlow, Steve Bolek, Ann Christiansen, Cindy Sjoquist, Dewayne & Sherri Ide, Dewey & Avis Fairchild, Dennis & Barbara Filizetti & grand-daughters, Sally Pouliot, Joe & Pam Durbin. 4 people did the shopping, publicity and office work.

Volunteers totaled 97 18 pies were shared by First Lutheran Church, made by, Pat Hewitt, Geri George, Dolly Salmi, Sherri Ide, Nora Smith, Mary Bjorkquist, Pam Durbin, Anita Stockham, Ruth Botbyl, Barbara Ball, Cindy Sjoquist, and Jo Skogman. 12 dozen homemade rolls were shared by First Lutheran Church, made by, Geri George, Erin Wickman, Eileen Demeuse, Connie Salmi, Vick Ottensman and Dotti Ford Thank you to all who helped in any way and for anyone I may have missed. Your hands and hearts made a wonderful difference as everyone celebrated the birth of our Savior. Nora

February 2020 Page 14

First Lutheran Family & Friends Thank you for the beautiful prayer shawl. It is wonderful and so warm! And, thank you for all the prayers, they are working…… Love, Jamie Motto

Sending a big THANK YOU to the Welcome & Outreach Committee for the get well note sent me. My voice, while not sounding the same, is doing good. The implant procedure helped some. Thanks for all the good thoughts & prayers. They were much appreciated!

Carol Kocsis Dear Friends, Thank for your generous gift to Lutheran World Relief’s Quilt and Kit Shipping Fund! Your donating ensures that LWR Quilts and Kits get into the hands of a person who needs it….. Warm Regards, Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard (ret.) President and CEO First Lutheran Family, A sincere gratitude of thanks to Pastor Tom Otis, Kris McDonald, Shades of Gray and the Kitchen Serving Group. Your talents and service were greatly appreciated at the service of our beloved Bernice. From the Family of Bernice Marshall

February 2020 Page 15

Gifts to our congregation have been given ...

In Memory of Bernice Marshall….

For the Choir Fund Gary & Mary Bjorkquist

Pat Hewitt Joe & Pam Durbin Bill & Donna Mott

Duane & Nancy Bovin Kent & Colleen Anderson

Jon Neisius Rick & Paula LaCrosse

For the Sewing Circle Fund Nora Smith

Gary & Judy Larson Scott & Jane Coyne-Smith

Al & Dolly Salmi Lloyd & Mary Tuskan

For Grace Circle

Steve Bolek & Ann Christiansen Kreig & Amy Dyer

For Seminarian/Internship Fund

Dale & Jo Skogman Dirk & Sue Manson

Sally Pouliot Karen Bratonia

For Endowment Fund

Genevieve Morley

February 2020 Page 16

WORSHIP CANCELLATION

In the case of inclement weather this winter, any announcement regarding the cancellation of worship will be on KLGA, for the 8:00am worship, cancellation will be announced during the 7:00am news report. For Sunday School and 10:30 am worship, cancellation will be announced by

8:30am.

Changing Phones??? We Need Your Help!!!

to this? Going from this

A vast number of First Lutheran members are changing phones (from land-line to cell, etc.) and WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! Please call the church office, 428-4565, if you are changing numbers or have changed numbers. This would be most helpful if we need to contact you! THANK YOU!

OFFERING ENVELOPES Offering envelopes for 2020 are now available on the tables in the narthex. Please pick yours up. Remember, those who use Simply Giving/Give Plus also have envelopes.

February 2020 Page 17

Hope at The Inn

We are gearing up for our next week of hosting Hope at the Inn. February 9th we will be setting up sometime in the afternoon. Usually around 1pm. We could use a few helpers in hauling the supplies from First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba to First Lutheran.

We are still in need of:

Styrofoam cups & Plastic cups

We could use the most needed hygiene products: toothpaste, shaving cream, razors, and deodorant. Cold weather jackets and clothing (jeans, sweatshirts, long underwear) are needed for men.

Thank you for all your support! Rhonda Husbye and Pat Casteel

Donate your Elmer’s Rewards Card Points to

Hope at the Inn

February 2020 Page 18

You are invited to the Annual

Lenten Breakfast and Musical Program at

Immanuel Lutheran Church

600 South Lincoln Rd, Escanaba

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Breakfast: 9:15am Program: 10:00am

Club 906 International Exchange Students

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Melissa Carpenter, coordinator for I.C.E. S, International Cultural Exchange Services, through the US Departement of State, is seeking volunteers to host international exchange

students. More information, and a letter from Melissa, is on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

February 2020 Page 19

Happy Birthday to ... Finlee Carter Steven Chouinard Michael Coyne Joseph Durbin Alyssa Ellison Donald Erickson Dylan Gilbert Ken Groh Andrew Hanson Benjamin Hewitt Douglas Hewitt Wanda Kloet Constance Lorenson Lori Marmalick Kayla Martinucci Amy Miron Braidyn Miron Deegan Miron Gabrielle Movalson David Nivison Jesse Olsick William Olsick Reyna Rose Betty Setter Denis Severinsen Gayle Sigan Sophia Smith Violet Smith Jack Soderman Sarah Soderman Fred Sundstrom Emma Verbeek Edward Walker

Happy Anniversary to ...

Ray & Maggie Miller Dennis & Barbara Filizetti David & Diane Lahtinen Steve & Carol Kocsis Gary & Mary Bjorkquist

(If we’ve missed your birthday or anniversary please let us know)

February 2020 Page 20

Defibrillator Training On-Line

Pam Durbin has graciously trained persons to use the defibrillator in the church entrance. At our last Property Committee, it was mentioned that this training is available on-line in the comfort of your own home. We encourage members of First Lutheran to go on-line and receive this training. If you do, it would be appreciated if you informed Property chair Dale Skogman so we can track the persons who are trained. Thank You! The web sites are:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJFdCc64h7U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXsWf8XgyoI#action=share

Council Highlights The Congregation Council met on January 9th. Council approved a donation to the Gladstone Senior Class All Night Party. The Day Care/Preschool project is the beginning phases of blue prints and zoning. The new Sound System cabinet is expected to be installed by the end of January. The Annual Meeting Luncheon will be a Casserole Cook Off, coordinated by Amber Hess-Soderman. Kris McDonald announced her retirement through a formal letter. Special events will be held for Pastor Otis, Kelly Ylitalo, and Kris McDonald for their support and services at First Lutheran. The next council meeting is set for March 12th at 6:30pm.

February 2020 Page 21

Contact Us: First Lutheran Church 1212 Minneapolis Ave. Gladstone, MI 49837 906-428-4565 www.firstlutheran-gladstone.org or find us on facebook.com

Rev. Tom Otis, Pastor pastor@firstlutheran-gladstone.org Office: 428-4565 Cell Phone: 280-9997

Kelly Ylitalo, LLM intern@firstlutheran-gladstone.org

Office Manager: Rhonda Husbye office@firstlutheran-gladstone.org

Secretary: Reyna Rose office@firstlutheran-gladstone.org

Director of Music: Kris McDonald Musicians: Kris McDonald, Oliva Wery Chancel and Handbell Choir Director: Kris McDonald Christian Ed Coordinators: Amelia Seawright and Reyna Rose Custodian: Dave Strom

Congregation Council: Amber Hess-Soderman, President George Botbyl, Vice President Doris Sundstrom, Secretary Bill Ehrhardt, Treasurer Steve Bolek Dotti Ford Kathy Gobert Ken Groh Jeff Gudwer Judy Haulotte Cooper Koski Dirk Manson Marshall Seawright

A congregation of the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America